About the country
The Federated States of Micronesia are scattered specks lost in the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea. Each island is very different from the others, both geologically and culturally.
If we had to pick just one, it would be Chuuk, for its massive graveyard of shipwrecks in the lagoon.
Cargo ships, supply vessels, planes, …, the dives are spectacular, fairly deep (25 to 40 meters). The wrecks are covered in beautiful coral and form rich, fish-filled reefs. The cargo ships are full of surprises inside. Visibility is fairly good. There’s an entrance fee for the marine park, to help protect the sites.
There are various dive shops that all seem to be on par with one another, for more comfort and to maximize the number of wrecks you see, a cruise might be worth considering.
At Yap, every dive is a drift dive along the reef, with good visibility. It’s manta paradise ! We were there during mating season, and we saw them nearly every day. The walls are beautiful. Unfortunately there isn’t a ton of fish, since the sites aren’t protected from fishing.
At Pohnpei, the dives are mainly drift dives in the passes, depending on the tide. Lots of life, and mantas too. You can see schools of sharks, barracudas, and beautiful corals. Visibility does remain variable though.
The islands of Micronesia are reachable via Guam, Yap is served once a week from Palau.
Here’s a description of the dive sites at Chuuk, the best of : Fujikawa Maru, Kensho Maru, Gosei Maru, Sankisan Maru, Emily : .
Here’s a description of the dive sites at Yap, the best of : Yap Cavern, M’il Channel and Rainbow Reef for the mandarinfish : .
Here’s a description of the dive sites at Pohnpei, the best of : Manta Road, Palikir Rendezvous, Pehleng Corner : .
Our opinion
Difficulty
Visibility
Diversity
Atmosphere
Practical
In February-March 2020.
Chuuk : The Blue Lagoon Dive Shop is located within the Blue Lagoon Resort, which was under renovation when we were there.
No toilets or showers, the wooden boats with covered roofs aren’t very comfortable, but you head back to the club between each dive, or take a break on a small island. The sites are 25 minutes away at most.
A different wreck is offered every time, no-deco dives lasting 45 to 50 minutes, let’s just say it’s a minimal service.
Yap Divers is located within the Manta Ray Bay Resort.
They have 6 comfortable boats for 5 people each. You dive à la carte with no time limit, the dives are mostly drift dives and easy. The local dive masters cater to the guests’ wishes : the cleaning station at 6 meters, or the walls.
Between dives, warm towels and tea/cakes. You don’t carry anything. A real luxury.
Pohnpei Surf Club is located within the Mangrove Bay Resort. It’s the only club on Pohnpei.
The manager schedules the dives around the tide. Two boats, 7 guests max.
During the surface interval, garden fruit and a to-die-for banana cake.
In February-March 2020.
Blue Lagoon Resort is set in a really beautiful spot south of Weno island. The resort is a bit rough around the edges, which is a shame given the potential. The staff is cold.
Manta Ray Bay Resort is a small resort with beautiful rooms and a friendly welcome. A bit pricey for what you get (like the rest of Micronesia), but you feel good there.
Pohnpei Surf Club on the Mangrove, every room has a view over the bay. Everyone is friendly. It’s possible to order food.
In Chuuk : There’s not much to do outside of diving.
In Yap : Yap Day, a national holiday celebrating Yapese culture. Wonderful, family-friendly and warm.
Also worth a short tour of the island to see the stone money bank, the men’s houses, …
In Pohnpei : Nan Madol, the remains of a 2nd-century city.